Chip Scoggins: Seriously, Kill and Gophers counting on strong defense

[BleedGopher]

per Chip:

As Jerry Kill enters his fourth season in charge, any conversation about his program rebuild should focus on his emphasis on defense.

Defense has become a priority for the Gophers, not an afterthought, which is why Kill’s team won eight games last season and deserves to be taken seriously as a program on the rise.

Their defense is no longer an eyesore like an ugly beater sitting in the driveway. Historically, the words Gophers and defense used in the same sentence usually included a punch line. That’s starting to change.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/269638591.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[husker70]

for the season, not just the big 10 season the Gophers points per game yield was 22.2, that Ohio school 22.6. If the trend holds and Claeys has said we will be better we need to be great. I would love to see the defense pitch a couple shutouts in the non conference.

 

[jaymil]

I'm still a little concerned about our run D when facing certain power running teams. With that being said, if a few players step up in the front 7 this could be a special year for the defense.

 

[Governor Sibley]

Are we that tough?

We didn't match up all that well against teams who wanted to punch us in the mouth. Iowa and Syracuse pushed us around.

 

[husker70]

The front seven this year with some changes before the season

Botticelli 5th yr. Senior
Legania 5th yr. Senior
Amaefula Senior
Cockran RS Junior
Cambell RS Junior
Wilson Senior
Lynn RS Soph

These are players who not only have experience in the system, but also are a year older, and probably stronger. Last year we made progress, this year another step. I have always believed strength up the middle is critical. You have two 5th year seniors, a senior middle linebacker, and your safety, your Defensive Captain

 

[diehard]

Kill has been building football IQ and a football mentality in these guys from day one. That takes years to develop on a team, but older team leaders pass it down more quickly once it is established. Dividends will pay this year.

 

[husker70]

When you add the secondary to the front seven, and this group plays the angles, tackles well, and plays the ball in the air. The other thing Claeys has said about this year is we are now able to defend both down hill teams and spread teams. Somewhere it was reported that Campbell is a solid 250. Last year 219.

 

[Governor Sibley]

I trust and like Claeys.

I wish he would eat Limegrower, but that's another conversation.